The Canadian Red Cross is now accepting donations to help those affected by the worst flooding in more than a century in Serbia and Bosnia. To date, tens of thousands have been evacuated from their homes and thousands are still waiting to be rescued.

A state of emergency has been declared in 14 municipalities as houses, roads and railway lines have been submerged. The flooding has caused unsafe and unsanitary conditions as 350,000 people are without safe water or electricity. The Red Cross societies of both countries have been actively engaged in rescue and operation activities, providing relief and helping setting up centers for those evacuated. Thousands of staff and volunteers, many who have also been affected by the floods, are assisting with evacuations as well as providing relief items such as blankets, mattresses, drinking water, food and hygiene kits, rubber boots and water purifiers to more than 10,000 people.

Relief efforts have been impeded by damaged infrastructure and difficult conditions, however, boats and jeeps are being used to reach those affected.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released funds through the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund for both countries, which will be used to replenish stocks and to cover early recovery measures and materials.

The Red Cross has a global network of trained disaster response experts and pre-positioned emergency supplies ready to send as needed. This includes the Canadian Red Cross field hospital, which is on stand-by at all times thanks to a partnership with the Government of Canada.

The Canadian Red Cross is on stand-by with both personnel and supplies, including our field hospital, ready to be deployed quickly if requested.

Canadians wishing to help those affected by the flooding are encouraged to make a financial donation online, at their local Red Cross office or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Please earmark donations “Balkan Floods 2014”. Funds will be used to support flood-affected communities.